Rajasthan’s opulent capital is a magical land brimming with desert camps and lakeside palaces. Sitting on the edge of the Thar desert and surrounded by the Aravali hills, the Pink City boasts of hilltop forts, bustling bazaars and the best pyaaz kachoris you’ll ever taste. Among the places to visit in Jaipur, the grandiose pink sandstone Palace of Winds, or Hawa Mahal, towering over the hustling streetscapes and the majestic City Palace are the ones attracting the most tourists. The 18th century old astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a UNESCO world heritage site and a major tourist attraction. Perched proudly on the top of a hill is Amber Fort, dating back to the 16th century. The red sandstone structure houses palaces, temples, gardens and a lake inside its premises. One of the most favoured things to do in Jaipur is to walk through the lively Bapu Bazaar, and come out with bags stocked with bandhani-printed sarees, lac bangles, meenakari trinkets and blue pottery. And while you’re at it, shop for some string puppets or kathputlis that make for some excellent souvenirs.
Galtaji temple, also called the Monkey Temple, is another must visit. If your eyes just can't get enough, visit Amber Fort, which has its own 600-year-old story to narrate, through its spectacular light and sound shows, cultural performances and folk music. Rajasthani tailored clothes, jewellery and handicrafts are a huge hit as souvenirs, for their exquisite mirror work, embroidery, leather and splashes of colour. Some famous places this illustrious workmanship can be bought from are Rajasthali, Anokhi, Johari bazaar and Sireh Deori Bazaar, but remember to bargain. Central Museum and Albert Hall museum are great places to learn about Rajasthan's rich history and culture and also to buy handicrafts.
The Jaipur Literature Festival, the world's largest free literature festival, is dear to almost every bibliophile around the globe. Here, enjoy literature and music, amidst the likes of William Dalrymple, Stephen Fry and many other renowned writers and personalities. The 5-day festival is hosted in Diggi Palace, which gives people around the world an insight into Rajasthan's captivating cultural heritage. For those interested in pampering their palates with the flavourful Rajasthani cuisine against the backdrop of a picturesque village should visit Chokhni Dani. For a regal experience, a stay at the Suvarna Mahal is a must visit.
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Hotel GangaurThirty-second rundown: Known as the gateway to India's most flamboyant state, Jaipur is a must-visit if you're looking for a vacation that will culturally enlighten you. Book a room at Hotel Gangaur to enjoy the cultural side of Jaipur with their traditional food and decor.

While at Jaipur, we visited Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh, Nahargarh, Amber Palace, Isar Lat, Bhangarh and Chand Bawri in Abhaneri village. What stood out for me were the visits to Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh and Chand Bawri. Although the internet has detailed information about the significance of each of these places, we did hire the service of a guide in most of these places. With no exception, all guides will take you to the local handicraft emporium which sell artifacts made by local artisans. Heavy on the pockets but worth visiting at least one emporium, even if you do not intend to purchase anything.

Much like most of my other trips, my trip to Rajasthan wasn't very extensively planned. We had barely 20 days before the famous Thar Desert Festival and Desert Trek when we decided to just hop on a flight and head to the land of the Royals.We boarded our early morning flight (6AM kinda early) from Bangalore to Jaipur.

Soon we speak of elephants, a picture of majestic wild animal with a swinging long trunk with a happy face and two big white tusks emerges our memory. If you’re adventurous and had heard elephant stories, you may also think of a gigantic animal gushing towards you with all his power and speed to chase you off. However, in India, things are slightly different. If you’re an Indian, or have visited India few times, you can also think about a Hindu God resembling elephant face being worshiped in a larger than life manner. Worshiping the elephant-faced, lord Ganesha almost in every house, across entire India.

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan is one of the most historically preserved cities in India. The royal palaces, lip-smacking food, Rajasthani culture, fascinating history and the modernity of Jaipur making it the famous city among Indians as well as foreign visitors. The 'Pink City' as it is famously known never disappoints anyone giving a visit. It did not disappoint me as well. This city proved to be more beautiful than what is shown in photos.The Amer Fort; magnificent fort to pay a visit. This huge and incredible palace is one of the best forts I have ever been to. The size, the architecture and the beauty of the palace spell such a charm on one’s mind leaving an impression forever. Visiting this fort gives a glimpse of the rich Rajputana history.

Day 3: Jaipur: Resplendent in the hues of its noble and magnificent past, the historic city of Jaipur stands out as one of the most spectacular and culturally vibrant destinations in the world. Jaipur Palace, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Raj Mandir and the most importantly Jaipur Market, all we covered on Day 3 and in the evening we had to leave the beautiful city to get back to Delhi.

The most popular tourist destinations in Jaipur can be divided into two groups. City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and Albert Hall are at a stone's throw away from each other. At the other end of the city lie the Jal Mahal, Amer fort, Jaigarh fort and Nahargarh fort which can be covered together.

• Ballooning over JaipurGive your children a bird's eye view of the pink city high above in the sky, in a hot-air balloon. Watch dawn break in all its pink and orange glory over the majestic forts and temples as you soar above it.Sit down and plan a hot air balloon ride in Jaipur with Adventure Nation.Package DetailsPrice (Per Person): Rs 9,000Duration: 3 hours

Udaipur beckons tourists from all over the world with its romantic landscapes and ethereal monuments. Bordered by the crags of the hazy Aravallis, the city that was established in the 16th century by Maharaja Udai Singh, is now a major heritage tourism hotspot for India.
With a seductive old-warm charm, opulent palaces and lively bazaars, tourists will never run out of places to visit in Udaipur. Some enchanting attractions in the city include the filigreed walls of Bada Mahal, the mountain pass of Haldighati, the lavish gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari and the placid waters of the Jaisamand Lake. The shimmering Lake Pichola hosts numerous things to do in Udaipur, such as a boat ride through the lake to the Jag Mandir Palace, from which you can witness the most stunning sunset. For those with a penchant for automobiles, the Vintage Car Museum in the Garden Hotel, hosts a fantastic exhibit of vintage vehicles. Udaipur's cuisine comprises of Rajasthani staples such as the flavoursome dal baati choorma and gatte ki sabzi. Popular eateries here include Chandni, Ambrai, Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, Lotus Cafe and Mayur Rooftop Cafe. Hotels are easily available in Udaipur, and several retain their old world feel. Read More

Day 2:Karni Mata Mandir:Had early breakfast and went straight down to Doodh Talai Lake. There is a connectivity to Karni Mata Temple from here . U can enjoy natural beauty and lighting from a top of ropeway sitting inside cable car. Visited temple and dargahs nearby. What a view of Lake pichola from height. From my side its highly recommended place to get beautiful view of Udaipur. Then we left for the vintage & classic car collection museum.

Day 1:We reached Udaipur late around 1 in the noon time as train from Jaipur got delayed by some 6 hours . We stayed at hotel Pichola Haveli , a budget hotel near Gangaur Ghat.It was nice and comfortable with beautiful view of lake Pichola. After check-in, took rest to freshen up . We hired a bike as only two of us were there and then drove to City Palace.City Palace:The star attraction of Udaipur is City Palace. Reached there ,hired a guide and took entry passes. Since being built in 1559 by Maharana Singh, eleven palaces have been added to this magnificent granite and marble building. It’s best to take a tour so they all can be explained to you and you can imagine what life would have been like in the hallowed halls of this amazing place. Visited the rooftop garden with its hanging gardens, fountains and terraces and fabulous view over the city. The Palace of Pearls, the Palace of Glass and the Peacock Garden all conjure images but you have to see for yourself the decorations that give each palace their name.After that we left for Fatehsagar Lake.

Beguiled by the enigma that the city besets you with, Udaipur is every traveller's delight. The city of Lakes, or the Venice of the East, is known for its history, culture, scenic locations and the Rajput-era palaces. The palaces reflect the architectural grandeur that prevailed during the opulent period of Rajputs. The lakes add to its surreal beauty and the cultural heritage of the city is worthy of the view.Our first target was The City Palace. It is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola. We decided to walk from our hotel to the palace. While strolling around the streets, we came across many antique shops, emporium places, and eateries. A few times, we asked the locals, dressed in their traditional wears, for directions.

Hotel Anand BhawanThirty-second rundown: Built by the Maharana of Mewar nine decades ago to accommodate senior British and Indian officials, Hotel Anand Bhawan later became the official residence of Maharana of Mewar. Soon after India attained independence, it was converted into a state hotel. Perched on top of a hillock, Hotel Anand Bhawan overlooks the beautiful Fateh and Swaroop Sagar Lakes.

A 7 hour journey via train saw us in Udaipur, aka white city or Venice of the East. The narrow lanes, the view of the water and the ghats, lanes that elevate and dip down, tuk-tuks rushing about, temple towers peeking out from above tinier buildings - all this and more bowled me over. And what's more, I had to remind myself that we were indeed in Udaipur and not in Varanasi!

Udaipur, city of lakes, you lay your eyes anywhere here and you will find beautiful dome like Palaces. The name in itself sounds nothing less than Royalty. Let me tell you, this was beyond Royalty. I was taken in by surprise by Beloved when I entered this Magnificent Historical City. He had discreetly checked me in at Taj Lake Palace.Udaipur, city of Lakes & Palaces has lot of palaces to see and their Current King living in City Palace (Part of it, rest have been converted into Museum). We had planned our trip for 2 days on my Birthday weekend.As soon as we stepped down from the car, we were warmly welcomed by Rose petals being showered over us with drum rolls and then leading our way to their Luxurious yacht-like Jetty.It truly is the "Venice of India". Most of it, the reason why I always visit a new place is my sheer love for food. Having said that, this is the first time after more than a decade I laid my hands on Lamb meat and oh boy their "Lal Maas" is to die for. Everything, right from the Ker Sangri(Local specialised sabzi), Dal Batti Churma to the Nalli Nihari I couldn&apos;t get my hands off (mind you, succulent pieces oozing out fiery flavour and cooked till melt-in-the-mouth-perfection).We checked in Taj Lake Palace (Previously known as Jag Niwas Palace and was used as Summer Palace). Pristine white and beautiful sight to behold. We stopped by for delectable dinner at Neel Kamal, where we opted for Royal Thali.Next morning, we headed out for our City Palace tour right beside our hotel. There is an entry ticket and you have to buy separate ticket to use Camera. The City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola is as historically beautiful as the Travel Magazines capture it. Those sturdy pillars adorned with decorative carvings, mirrored & ornamental tile bring back opulence of the era and not to forget, the Classic and Vintage CarCollection that Palace still baosts of. Their jewel in the collection is obviously their 1924 Rolls Royce 20 HP. The Palace has been now converted into museum and if you are into old artefacts then visit to City Palace,Udaipur is must.Our next stop was Saheliyo ki Bari, is a popular tourist attraction built by Rana Sanghram singh and was presented to his Queen, wherein the Queen can stroll and spend her time in leisure with her 48 maids. It is located at the Banks of Fateh Sagar Lake with beautiful Lotus pool & Marble Elephant Fountains.After our tiring tour, we relaxed ourselves to Jiva spa (tip: while vacationing a spa treatment adds zing to your short vacation) Next Day, we planned on knowing the place we were staying. Words short fall to describe Taj Lake Palace.Centrally located amidst Lake Pichola on the island of Jag Niwas, 360 degree view of lake, you cannot miss the sun rise while on sipping your hot cup of Masala Tea making you forget worldly ties & stress. The palace was constructed facing east, allowing its inhabitants to pray to Surya, the Hindu sun god, at the crack of dawn. The walls made of black and white marbles are adorned by semi-precious stones and ornamented niches. Gardens, fountains, pillared terraces and columns line its courtyardsIf you are in any part of Rajasthan, please do not miss on their flavourful Ghevar & Finni. I am die hard fan of their sweets too, dipped and dripping in pure Ghee..

The next day around mid afternoon we reached our destination. Now we reached but we don't no where to go, started asking people about the places, finally 1 auto guy told us about Jagdish temple. Reached the famous temple in Udaipur "The Jagdish temple. Searching for rooms,finally got 1. We left our bags in the room and headed towards the temple to know where we can celebrate the best Holi, got to know that the best place to celebrate Holi in Udaipur is near Jagdish temple. The function of Holika Dahan also Kamudu pyre is celebrated by burning Holika(the devil) was about to start at around 7.30 pm evening near the temple. We rushed to our hotel, got fresh and then rushed to the temple.

Best time to visit - January,February,September,October,November,December

Popular, colourful and culturally rich, Jodhpur is one of Rajasthan's most beautiful cities. It is also known as the Sun City of India and is said to have been built in the 15th century by a Rao Jodha.
This city was earlier known as Marwar and is currently the second largest city of Rajasthan. From the stunning Mehrangarh Fort (from where you can see the stunning blue city), Umaid Bhavan Palace to the bustling Sardar Market, there is tons to do and explore in this touristy city. If you like your holidays to be quiet and laidback, Jodhpur may not be for you – atleast for the first couple of days. There is too much to keep you busy.
Like almost all cities in Rajasthan, there are historical forts and palaces to explore and admire. Do carry a scarf and water for your afternoon expeditions should the heat tire you out. There are also umpteen restaurants and small cafes in Jodhpur which offer you delicious food and are also very welcoming. Jodhpur is also a great place to meet like-minded travellers.
Jodhpur is well connected to all the major cities of the country via rail, road and air. Read More

We reached at the Jaisalmer bus stand around 11 PM, and in about half hour, we boarded the bus for The Blue City, Jodhpur. It was a 4-hour journey. We reached there around 4 PM, had lunch at the restaurant named 'Gypsy'(Okay-ish), went to see the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, and bought some Ghevar (It's a must). We couldn't cover much of Jodhpur as it was already 7 PM, and we started inquiring about buses to Delhi. But unfortunately, there were none. So we boarded the only bus to Jaipur at 10 PM. We passed time by strolling aimlessly in the streets of a new city (It felt amazing not knowing where to go and just wandering). We didn't even realize, and the clock ticked 10, so we gathered our stuff, and boarded the bus to Jaipur. Next morning, at 6 AM, we embarked on the Haryana Roadways (Man, they drive swiftly!) and were here in Delhi at 11 AM.

Hotel GhoomarThirty-second rundown: Situated only 3km away from the railway and bus station, Hotel Ghoomar offers a comfortable and hygienic stay. The hotel restaurant serves a variety of cuisines such as Indian, Mughlai, Chinese, South Indian and other. If not the food, their well stocked bar will definitely impress you.

Around 3 am the next night we reached Jodhpur. The next train to Jaisalmer was 5 hrs later, we had nothing to do so why not explore Jodhpur...yes so we emerged from the station, had some tea and with the avail of google map tried to plan our further trip.Early morning 6 am we were heading towards the famous Mehrangarh Fort, it is the largest fort in India. It is very near by to Jodhpur railway station, so if you wish to go ambulating you can. The fort is on the mountain peek, we can go ambulating and the vehicles to the fort start by 8 in the morning. We went ambulating because it was early in the morning and we couldn't find any vehicle.

When Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur built the Jaswant Thada in 1899, he could not have imagined the transformation it would go through a century later. At a short distance from the Mehrangarh Fort, the historical landmark has welcomed musicians from around the world to participate in its Sufiana music revelry for ten years.

Day 12 jodhpur After good sleep we woke up around 10am checkout from the hotel and headed to passport office. Jodhpur is a City and district in the Indian state of Rajasthan there is many place to visit in jodhpur the temp was very hot in the month of march Mehrangarh the Fort of Jodhpur crowns a rocky hill that rises 400 feet above the surrounding plain, and appears both to command and to meld with the landscape. One of the largest forts in Rajasthan, it contains some of the finest palaces and preserves in its museum many priceless relics of Indian courtly life. I suggest you to hire the guide. Umaid Bhawan Palace is King's palace build few km away from old city. Construction is huge and spread over a large area. Only some part of Bhawan is allowed to visit by tourist. You can view the history of King, palace information and Kings belongings. They also have small but good vintage car collection. Good to visit in morning and visit Fort during sunset. Around 3pm after lunch we left from jodhpur to udaipur the place from where we star our journey.

Day 2, In the early morning, I explored the blue city and had lunch at the roof top hotel under the Jodhpur fort.day 3, I woke up in the desert, Jaisalmer. I must say it is the golden city as the city is built with yellow stone and it too has a golden fort, just kidding.

From Ajmer, we left in the morning around 10 and it is almost 6~7 hrs journey by road to Jodhpur. We had taken a small package for our tour which included stay at several places and the commute by car.After a tiring journey, we reached Jodhpur at around 5 pm. I was very excited on entering this historical place.Most of the old Havelis here have been converted into Heritage hotels. We had booked one such hotel here. The environment inside this hotel was all royal and we felt like having descended from the royal family.

Padharo Mhare Des, because Rajasthan offers music festivals in the most surreal locations imaginable. Jodhpur is at the very heart of the action by hosting world-class festivals such as the World Sufi Spirit and the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. Even if you don't like the music, you can safely come here for the entire experience and you'll go back a richer person.Some Major Music Festivals Hosted: Rajasthan International Folk Festival (Folk) in October, World Sacred Spirit Festival (Sufi) in February.Read more about Jodhpur.

Jodhpur, 11:30 am: I got into an auto heading to Kesar Heritage home stay near clock tower. The room was well done in a true heritage manner and had a small balcony which had only views of next buildings. There was a rooftop restaurant with a view of the majestic Mehrangarh fort. Outside, the alleys were dirty and poorly maintained, garbage and faeces all along the way. Honestly, Jodhpur was nothing like I had imagined.Post lunch, I decided to explore the fort. Later, realized that it was a bad decision as the fort entry closes at 5:00PM sharp. An auto guy ditched and left me half way saying that the road is under renovation and took Rs.100 from me. From there I had to catch a share auto up the hill. As I reached just in time, the entry ticket was provided but I had to hurry because the guards kept on telling it was time to close the gates. I took some photographs in a hurry and spent ten minutes on top of the fort near the temple watching the sunset. Although its named as blue city, only some portion of the city is painted blue. The Umaid bhavan palace where the Jodhpur Royal family resides, was clearly visible at a far distance from the fort. On the way back to the homestay, I hired an auto for about Rs.200. He agreed to take me for sightseeing the next day for Rs.600. (Tip: if you are a solo female, make sure you reach back the city before dusk as the premises will be quite deserted after 6:00PM).On day 2 morning, I decided to explore a good hotel for breakfast. Unexpectedly, during that random walk, I found this awesome theme hotel named Nirvana. The ambiance was mind blowing and the Poori bhaji was just exceptional. This hotel also have a splendid rooftop restaurant arrangement with a great view of the fort. Please check http://www.nirvana-home.com/ for route and pictures. The restaurant downstairs was designed with colorful wall paintings from Ramayana. The staff was very friendly too.After breakfast I met the auto guy and started city tour in the following order:

The melodious chorus of temple bells, the sweet fragrance of incense and the positive energy in Mathura city all come together to offer you an experience unlike another.
The most popular temple in the birthplace of Shri Krishna is the Dwarkadesh Temple, which is home to a lovely shrine of Lord Krishna and Radha among other deities. And if you happen to visit the temple during the festivals of Janmashtami, Diwali and Holi, you'll be in for a huge surprise. The energy of the temple and the city will take you by storm and you will fall in love with the small energetic town.
The culture of Mathura is perhaps what attracts people to this lovely town rather than its mythological importance, though one can't deny or undermine its mythological significance. Among other places to visit, you can head to Vishram Ghat, Rangji temple and Govind Deo temple.
Sacred for both Jains and Buddhists, Mathura sees people from across the world. A meeting point for people from all cultures, there is much to learn and explore in this lovely city. Finding a place to to stay here is not a problem at all since there are a number of small dharamshalas as well as luxurious resorts.Read More

Mathura the land of Lord Krishna it is En Route between Agra and Delhi on NH2 it is also oriented or one day excursion point For few Golden triangle travellers. Though the city has its own potential to get more than 5 lakh tourist annually but its not a place just for one day. If you are coming to Mathura and you really want to have a totally different experience & know it then at least live in this for a week. Lord Krishna spent his infant - child and teenage here and this place is full of proof and sources of ultimate joy and happiness. the level of spirituality in locals and connection with their lord is what makes Mathura different. When you travel to Agra from Delhi via NH2 near Mathura the "Jai Gurudev temple" is like a reminder that you are really near to Taj Mahal in Agra.the Jai Gurudev temple is a good place to have a hault and fresh n up yourself as the place is surrounded by a lot of dhabas, motels and sanitation points. if you visit the temple and get in, it takes hardly 30 minutes to cover it all if you do not choose to sit down for a meditation and dhyan. The architecture of Jai Gurudev Temple matches with the Taj Mahal as it is made up of pure white marble and have four pillars at each corner, with a big dome in the centre, which makes it more like a pop up that you are just 60 KMS. away from Taj Mahal in Agra. it's a temple worth visiting and a good place force stop over during your journey towards Agra or Delhi. #Rohantherover #incredibleindia #Mathura #minitaj

5. Enjoy a unique cultural trip through Mathura and VrindavanThese two religious hubs in Uttar Pradesh have a vibrant culture that reflect what India is all about. Delhi to Vrindavan via Mathura is a short road trip for a getaway from Delhi. It takes just about 3 hours to reach Vrindavan via the Yamuna Expressway. The first pitstop on this route, Mathura, is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the temples and the Vishram Ghat echoing with the Radhe Radhe chant sure make for a surreal experience. On reaching Vrindavan, spend a morning at the Yamuna Kali Ghat and Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. Later, head to the adjacent gully to enjoy some delicious hot savouries.

Braj region of India includes Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon. Traditional Holi celebration can be seen only here and celebrated for almost 1 month. Lath mar Holi of Barsana is the main attraction and become a major tourist destinations of the region.

Popularly known as Lord Krishna’s birthplace, this religious town makes for a great weekend escape. At a distance of 141 km from Delhi, the destination easily makes for a great weekend getaway from Delhi within 200 km. Mathura is representative of more than 3000 year culture and civilization of India that promises absolute spiritual rejuvenation on your visit. Throngs of pilgrims visit Mathrua every year. Apart from Hindu devotees, people from different faiths visit the town, including Buddhists and Brahmanical Jains.

After sleeping well that night and spending some quality time with the students of PMV college Mathura which reminded me much of my school life and college. Next day, I started early and visited some of the religious places around and headed towards my friend's village via Aligarh and Atrauli to Sirauli

I was supposed to reach Mathura by 18.45 but my train was late by 2 hours as expected from Indian Railways. At the station I did expedited the process of claiming my bike at parcel office by spending few extra bucks (off the record) and suddenly I was treated as a VIP and looking at the no. of VIP India has it was not astonishing.I had planned this trip with a friend from UP (Siroli Village). He had already left from Mumbai a week earlier and was in his village spending some quality time of love with his family. His juniors from Diploma College PMV Mathura came to pick me up at the station and I halted the night in Mathura.

Mathura is commonly known as Janma Bhumi i.e. place of birth of Lord Krishna. Temple is very beautiful and you can visit the caves inside temple. You can recreate prison where Lord Krishna was born and scriptures on the walls are very attractive and beautiful. This place is a must visit and we started with our journey from here only.

Situated close to the vibrant city of Jaipur, Alwar is a perfect weekend getaway. Home to the wonderful Sariska Tiger Reserve, the grand City Palace and the stunning Siliserh Lake, Alwar offers you a mix of history, architecture and nature.
Though the Sariska Tiger Reserve is perhaps the best way to spend your time in Alwar, you can also spend a little time exploring the lake and Government Museum. When visiting the reserve, do book a safari in advance lest you miss out on a great slot. Early mornings and early evenings are the best way to explore the reserve. Boasting of tigers, including the Bengal Tiger, the reserve is home to the Indian Leopard, Indian Jackal, Sambhar and Wild Boars. Of course, you'll also spot monkeys making a ruckus and a crowd of Neelgais and that is quite fun to watch as well. Avoid eating anything while on the safari since it's a strict no.
The Siliserh Lake is another lovely spot where you can indulge in a bit of boating and a delicious lunch. The food here is a bit on the expensive side but it's totally worth it. While here, you can also take a trip to City Palace. You may feel that there are tons of palaces around Rajasthan that are way more beautiful, but this one has its own charm. Away from the chaos of the main city, it offers you a respite from dilapidated, ill maintained forts.
Do try food at one of the restaurants in the city. Not only is the food delicious, the hospitality is warm and adds to the meal. Read More

Best time to visit - January,February,March,August,September,October,November,December

The City of Rajputs, Bundi, maybe not as popular as other cities in Rajasthan, but nevertheless is no less captivating. The city is cloaked by hills on three sides and is home to a number of palaces and forts. It is believed to have got its name from a tribal head Bundi who called it ‘bunda ka nal’, which means narrow way.
A monumental prodigy that has stood the test of time is the Garh Palace. The walls with contemporary paintings and manicured gardens make the palace or fort a spectacle in itself. The many stepwells or baoris inside display the strong engineering skills from centuries ago. The riveting wells go very deep and are considered to the primary form of harvesting rainwater. Raniji ki Baori is one of them with elegant tall pillars and beautiful carvings. The Taragarh Fort or the Star Fort is a colossal that has been stunning people with its architecture since the ancient past. Alongside the fort is the Bundi Palace that houses the many murals and frescoes.
Hadoti Palace or Nawal Sagar Palace are perfect if you want a royal stay at Bundi. Neither are the streets of Bundi as choked as the other cities nor are the attractions crowded with tourists, making it just the quaint town you want for a relaxing trip. Namaste Cafe, Lakha and Kipling Cafe promise delectable meals to satiate your palate.Read More

Renowned across Rajasthan as the city that has never been conquered, Bundi is a hidden gem of the glorious state. Hiding in plain sight near Kota, travellers passing through Bundi will be surprised to see the well-preserved historical and architectural sites here.With over 50 baoris (step wells), innumerable havelis, cave paintings and a beautiful waterfall (Bhimlat), Bundi has something to amuse every traveller. Every corner of Bundi holds a surprise, but places such as the Bundi Palace, Chitrashala, Taragarh Fort, Rani ji ki Baori, Dabhai ka Kund, Nawal Sagar, Sukh Mahal and Shikhar Burj, will especially blow your mind.

Gleaming panels of Tikri—the Indian word for mosaic work, where, using scalpels, hand-cut pieces of mirrors are inlayed into frescos on the ceiling and the walls. Even the fl oors narrate the story of crusading elephants in tempered red, black, and white, the art style called izara. Poet Rudyard Kipling mentioned in his Letters of Marque published in 1899, “...but the Palace of Bundi, even in broad daylight, is such a palace as men build for themselves in uneasy dreams—the work of goblins rather than of men.” A great medieval fortifi cation snakes across the hill sides, indigo and white houses spill across the ground, and water reservoirs glisten in the afternoon sun.

Explore BundiThe city retains its old world charm, simplicity and slow pace. Narrow lanes, blue houses, colorful turbans and bright attires of women adding splashes of colors here and there. It is a less visited place by the domestic tourists (unlike to a few predictable places of Rajasthan) though quite popular with the foreign tourists.The place has some fantastic architectural as well as artistic delights like the Garh or Bundi Palace; Chitrashala; Taragarh Fort; over 50 baoris or step well among which Rani ji ki baori is the most well maintained and visited; Dabhai ka Kund. Other attractions are the Nawal & Jait sagar; Sukh Mahal & Museum; 84 pillared centopah and some other monuments like Phool Sagar, Kshar Bagh & Shikhar Burj which are personal property of the descendants of the royal family thus out of touristy domain.Garh or Bundi Palace, is built over a side of the hill. If you see it from the fort (higher above) it seems like it is hanging. Rudyard Kipling described it as ‘the work of goblins rather than of men’

Ten second takeaway: Bundi is a town that you might have a picture of in your head, but often struggle to place in the real world. Dotted with blue houses, lakes, hills, bazaars and a temple at every turn, Bundi is straight out of a fairy tale.It is believed that Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling penned part of his famous novel Kim in Bundi and this is what he had to say about the Bundi palace,‘Jaipur Palace may be called the 'Versailles of India'. Jodhpur’s House of strife, gray towers on red rock, is the work of giants, but the Palace of Bundi, even in broad daylight, is such a palace as men build for themselves in uneasy dreams – the work of goblins rather than of men.’Places to visit in Bundi: Sukh Mahal, Kshar Bag, Dabhai Kund, Raniji Ki Baori, Taragarh Fort, Lake Jait Sagar.HOW TO REACH BUNDIBy Air: The nearest airport is Sanganer Airport in Jaipur which is about 206 kms away.By Road: Buses to Bundi are available at regular intervals from Ajmer, Bijolia, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Udaipur.By Train: There is a small railway station in Bundi that is located about 4 kilometres south of the old city. To reach Bundi by train, you will have to change trains at Chittorgarh, which is connected to all major cities in India.

Bundi is a city in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan state in northwest India. It is of particular architectural note for its ornate forts, palaces, and stepwell reservoirs known as baoris. The town of Bundi is situated 35 km from Kota and 210 km from Jaipur. The city lies near a narrow gorge, and is surrounded on three sides by hills of the Aravalli Range. A substantial wall with four gateways encircles the city. The town of Indragarh and nearby places are famous for the renowned temples of Bijasan Mata and Kamleshwar. The Indargarh step well is considered as one of the most attractive places in the Bundi district, especially during the rainy season.

Our chronicles from Bundi start with a misty morning. It has rained all night. Remnant drops of water which have been clinging to the leaves of the trees all night are now falling. Slight mist has descended upon Bundi neither completely revealing nor concealing its charms. The Bundi palace as seen from our roof top restaurant stands as a guardian on the hillside. The old town of Bundi and its narrow lanes meandering through the rustic houses is worth simply walking around and exploring. You may come across children playing in their backyard or group of old men gathered around a 'Chai wala' (Tea shop) blowing steam off the tea cups and engulfed in conversations and cheerful laughter. The walls of houses are painted with images of warriors on their horses, peacocks and damsels with their melting features.

Inhabited by local tribes, this princely town is a guided stop for anyone who wants to come closer to the history and culture of this place. We part drive / cycle to Bundi through beautiful villages and Aravali hills. In the evening walk up the majestic Bundi fort using stone steps and ramps which were built for horsemen and chariots. Adorned with narrow lanes and blue lakes, this little town reminds of the past glory of Rajasthan. Bundi doesn't attract a lot of crowd like Udaipur and Jaipur does, it is a haven for adventurists and explorers to capture the true spirit of Rajasthan.

Best time to visit - January,February,September,October,November,December

The more one hears about Vrindavan, the more beautiful and alluring the small town becomes. The birth place of Lord Krishna, Vrindavan is visited by tourists from all over the world. With its colourful streets and crowded lanes, this small town may not offer you a respite from the chaos of the cities, but it certainly gives you an experience unlike any other.
Located about 11 km from Mathura, a perfect trip should see you combine an excursion to both these towns together. The more popular temples here are the Madan Mohan Temple, near Kali Ghat, Meera Bai Temple and the lovely Prem Mandir. Dedicated to love and situated about 10 km from the centre of town, this is a must visit!
Most temples here are dedicated to Lord Krishna and significant episodes in his life. If this is your first visit here, do a little research and speak to locals before deciding which temples you'd like to visit.
There are tons of hotels and guesthouses in Vrindavan, and you can decide your hotel according to your budget and choice. Read More

The Banke Bihari temple at Vrindavan celebrates Phoolon wali Holi on the ekadashi before Holi. The temple gates are opened at around 4 pm and the priests throw flowers at the devotees. Holi here is played with flowers and gulal, made using organic substances like flowers and kesar. Priests sprinkle colors on everyone using buckets, water guns, etc. The whole atmosphere is made even more lively with music (bhajans) in the background and people dance to the tunes while enjoying the colors.

Vridavan is another accessible weekend getaway from Delhi witin 200 km. The city is widely regarded as the transcendental home of Lord Krishna. The ancient and modern temples will give you a dose of an incredible culture that resides in the mesmerizing corners of India. Hindu mythology says Lord Krishna resides eternally in Vrindavan and never leaves the abode and pilgrims from across the world reach Vrindavan throughout the year. If you want to go temple hopping, make sure you visit Madan-Mohan, Radha Vallabh as well as Banke-Bihari and Shahji.

As my watch struck past 12, the date changed but i kept on searching for a room to stay for the night. As i was told there, we should atleast book a room in 5 - 10 days advance during that time of the year as people from all over come to witness the holi in Vrindavan. Holi is played for 5 days of different types such as laath maar holi, phoolon ki holi, rangon ki holi etc. I kept on searching for rooms but my efforts were fruitless. My phone was running out of charge, so i went to a toy shop and requested him to charge my phone, as he kept my phone on charge, he was clearing out all the toys as he was about to close the shop. I helped him a little along with his family though he was insisting not to, we had a little conversation and later he tried to ask another person to try to accomodate my stay but that wasn't possible as well. I thanked him and we bid good night to eachother and i continued to roam around the city looking for a place. As the time passed and when it was around 1:40 am, everyone started clearing out of the roads and the entire inner city was as silent as a graveyard. All i could see were monkeys(a lot) and all i can hear were dogs barking. As i couldn't find any place to stay, i went to the river ghat and thought of spending the night there with no alternative left. I reached the ghat and as it was beginning of the march, it was a little cold and i tried to sleep for sometime in a very uncomfortable position. After 40 minutes around 2:40 pm i woke up and couldn't sleep again. So i set out for the city's main road and as i reached there, i saw few people with a bike and a scooty. I approached them and there were three people who also came from delhi, they couldn't find a room as well. So we sat together, and for sometime we sang songs as one of the guys played a guitar. Me after all the walking and they after their straining long ride were feeling very tired and drowsy but stayed up till 5 am in the morning. They set out to look for a room and asked me to join, we all went looking for rooms and finally we found a dormitory after searching for 40 min. I slept till 8:30 am and woke up and got ready to go into the city to experience the grand holi. In the dormitory, i met another photographer from Nagpur and we all set out together for the Banke-Bihari temple. It was the best part of city during holi hands down. After spending some time there talking as many pictures as i could, i went to other parts of the city. As an amateur photographer, the most difficult part was to cover the camera to avoid colours getting into it. Finally after experiencing one of the wildest holis in India, i bid adieu to all the amazing people i met and as well as to the city. I got into a goods truck and reached delhi. Thats how my first, wildest and adventurous trip ended giving me a lot of stories to remember and to tell.

"Ye bhagvan ki nagri hai" (This is city of God) I heard this line somewhere from the back when one priest guide was coming out from Banke Bihari temple with his tourist bhakts.. "aur ache se hogae na darshan bhagvan ke... agar aap yahan na aate to bhagvan ke darshan kaise hote bataiye" (If you hadn't come here you wouldn't have had the opportunity of getting this auspicious sight of him) a second voice came.

Vrindavan in September is perfect for those people who do not like to be pushed around by the crowds. The temples are open and have few to no tourists at this off-season time. You can very easily explore the Vrindavan Iskon temple, which is considered as one of most beautiful temples in the country. Vrindavan is the city of temples, and also has rich culture. The Pagal Baba temple is also very beautiful, and you must visit it on your trip to Vrindavan. This off-season place to visit in India, will make you spiritual when you leave.Vrinadavan has its own railway station and the nearest airport is in Delhi, from there you can take a taxi direct to Vrindavan (185 km).Off-Season In October

Vrindavan: Celebrate the festival of colors, Holi, in the city of India that boasts of being the playground of Krishna himself. Located in the district of Mathura, Vrindavan and its surrounding towns make for one of the best heritage tours in India.Vrindavan does not have an airport. The nearest railhead is Mathura Cantt and frequent taxis and buses are available to Vrindavan.Read More: On the streets of Vrindavan by Deepti Asthana.

Holi at VrindavanIf you are a fan of the festival of colours, Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, is just perfect for you. People from all over the world throng the streets of Vrindavan during Holi just to be embraced by the colours and the mood of the festival.

So, my love for ancient places and monuments took me to Mathura. It's just a few hours drive away from the capital (read: Delhi) and serves as one of the best weekend getaways. But my trip was more of an excursion. I took the NH2 and started at around 10 in the morning. Two and a half hours, and I reached.
I realised that this place has so much to offer with its ancient havelis and hefty monuments.
The culture is still very much influenced my the ancient Brij rituals. The temples and tales of this city are as old as Ramayan itself. The famous places are mostly, religious ones but if are not so much into religion and rituals, you can still enjoy the peace that the city of Mathura offers. With Vrindavan being in close proximity, the place is a bequest of old traditions and colours.
I would suggest you go to the following places on your visit:
Lohwan Mata Mandir
Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev
Gopinath Maharaj Mandir
Keshav Dev Temple (Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi)
Vishram Ghat (Bank of River Yamuna)
Shri Jagannath Temple Bhuteshwar Mathura
Prem Mandir, Vrindavan
Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, Vrindavan
Mathura Museum
Birla Mandir
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi
Naam yog Sadhna Mandir (Baba Jai Gurudev Temple)
Banke Bihari Temple
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi
Iskcon Temple
Baldeo temple
bhuteshwar temple
The Udasin Kashni Ashram (Ramanrati) near Gokul (Mahaven)
And if you are just an incorrigible lover of prehistoric places, then you can just stroll around in the streets and click pictures.

Vrinda refers to Tulsi and van refers to forest. Vrindavan was the forest of plant tulsi and is a peaceful place. This is a weekend gateway from Delhi if you need peace of mind and want to know more about hindu god - Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna is with us every time and he is everywhere. He is the creator of everything and destroyer too. He is the one who gave us teachings of "Bhagwad Gita" to us where we can find solution to every problem of our life.
Let's come together to explore his city Vrindavan and to recreate his teachings and spirituality.
Vrindavan can be easily covered over a weekend and is one of the most popular weekend gateway from Delhi.

Best time to visit - January,February,March,September,October,November

True to Rajasthan's colourful culture and charming people, Kota is a lovely place for a rejuvenating holiday. The people are welcoming and quite helpful so if it's your first visit here, you can trust the locals to show your their proud tourist spots. Among the popular places, Jagmandir Palace, Kishore Sagar, Chambal Gardens and Gaipernath Waterfalls should definitely be part of your itinerary.
The Seven Wonders Park is home to all the replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Pyramids of Egypt. The lake situated behind the structures simply adds to the charm of the touristy spot and is the perfect way to spend your evening. Do include a foodie tour of the city lest you miss out on some of the yummiest delicacies of Rajasthan. Dal bhatti churma, pyaas ki kachori and Kota kachori are some of the must try dishes and you'll find them in every nook and corner of the city.
Homestays and guesthouses are slowly coming up in Kota and you'll be spoilt for choices. You should choose a hotel, which is a little further from the city centre for a quieter vacation. Read More

Instead of waiting for tigers in Madhya Pradesh, spot cheetahs in KotaKnown around the world as the heart of regal India, Rajasthan has not yet received enough traction for its amazing wildlife and biodiversity. The Darrah National Park, in the scholar town of Kota, is a treasure trove of unique flora and fauna.The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaswant Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary make the 250 sq. km of the Darrah National Park in Kota and hosts species such as the wild boar, deer, nilgai, cheetah and wolves. The park remains open from 10am to 5pm everyday of the week.